In the buildup to the 2011 general elections, all aspirants under our party converged at the Yemetu state office of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). It was at that very important interactive session that I had my first encounter with the man who would later redefine governance, development, peace, and leadership in Oyo State, the late Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, “The Koseleri 1 of Oyo State”. Though our discussion barely lasted five minutes, it was filled and full of memorable impact, which can be likened to a seed buried into a good soil.
From that moment onwards, I saw in him a man of unparalleled courage, unwavering discipline, steadfast principles, inspiring vision, innovative ideas, unshakable integrity, profound wisdom, boundless empathy, enduring resilience, unmatched humility, selfless generosity, contagious optimism, relentless determination, quiet confidence, deep understanding, compassionate leadership, radiant kindness, indomitable spirit, unfaltering loyalty, enduring faith, visionary creativity, inspiring charisma, as such it came as no surprise to me when he finally emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the Oyo State governorship election under ACN in 2011.
At other several fora before the election, I found myself drawn to his magnetic personality, impeccable sense of fashion, and fearless courage to speak the truth without sugarcoating it. He was indeed a very fearless lion among men, bold and charismatic. He was blessed with the power of the usage of words. One memory that remains indelible in my heart was his 2011 campaign speech in Ona Ara Local Government. It was electrifying. He spoke glowingly of me to the electorates with such fatherly expression, as if he had raised and known me for decades. His words lifted my political spirit.
In June 2013, he appointed me a member of Oyo State Waste Management Board and in February 2014, when destiny smiled on me as he appointed me as his special assistant on Students Affairs (making me the first S.A on Students affairs in the history of Oyo State). In that tasking capacity, I caught yet another side of Ajimobi: a compassionate listener, an inspiring motivator, a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, a decisive problem solver, an inspiring mentor, an innovative planner, a principled decision maker, an empathetic guide, a well detailed oriented organizer, and a disciplined yet approachable administrator. He was a father figure whose goodwill and interventions propelled me to record unprecedented successes in the student movement of Oyo State, which remains unequalled, unbeaten, and unparalleled
Ajimobi believed in empowering young people, and 65 per cent of political appointees in administration stem from my generation, and I need say that his trust in my abilities became my greatest asset.
The late Abiola Ajimobi was a man whose passion for the development of Oyo State was unrivalled. He dreamt big, and his dreams in all sectors for Oyo state translated into tangible achievements ranging from infrastructure to education, security, economic development, health, tourism, civil service, and judiciary. From the establishment of the First Technical University, Ibadan (now named after him – Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan), and the establishment of polytechnics in Saki and Eruwa. His vision for equitable access to education was evident. His administration was built on the contagious tripod of Reformation, Transformation, and Repositioning.
Before becoming governor on May 29th, 2011, Oyo State was marred by violence and brigandage, a chaotic reenactment of the infamous “wetie” era of lawlessness and insecurity. Ajimobi through the establishment of Operation Burst, a joint task force with six zonal commands, and the Oyo State Security Trust Fund, restored peace and sanity with his innovative security initiatives, ranging from Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in high-risk areas, made Oyo State a beacon of safety.
Ajimobi’s dedication to creating an economic hub for the growth and development of Oyo state through an investor-friendly environment yielded plenty of fruits. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ranked Oyo as the fourth most investment-friendly state in 2016, while the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) gave it a four-star rating in 2018. His administration of 8 years attracted 36 companies with over 3,800 directly and gainfully employed, and he recorded foreign direct investments worth N22.8 billion. Tourism flourished with a 147% rise in the sector between 2011 and 2018. Nightlife came alive, transforming Oyo State into a vibrant hub of economic activity. Under his stewardship as a purveyor of peace, the number of radio stations grew from six in 2011 to an astounding 31 in 2019, second only to Lagos. He even gifted the state with an anthem, a lasting symbol of unity and pride, which remains the sweetest and most colourful in the whole of Africa. Many generations after will read about your noble achievements as the architect and builder of the modern Oyo State.
Ajimobi was a man of principle, a rare gem who detested lies and hypocrisy. He was a devoted family man to the core, whose love for his wife, Florry (Chief Mrs. Dr. Florence Ajimobi JP) was deeper than words could ever convey. He cherished every moment spent with her, often describing her as his only rock and confidant. Together, they built a closely knitted family. His affection extended beyond being a loving husband; he was a doting father whose guidance and unwavering support shaped the lives of his beloved children.
His magnanimity knew no bounds. Out of his abundant love for loyalty and excellence, he recommended and made me the Deputy National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA in 2018. This honour immortalized his legacy in my life, even to date.
When death struck four years ago, the loss was catastrophic, leaving a void too vast to fill. But even in death, his legacy continues to shine brightly. He was not just a father figure but a pillar of unwavering strength to many, a mentor whose wisdom shaped my life, and a radiant beacon of hope that illuminated Oyo State. His absence is deeply felt, but his spirit lives on, etched forever in the lives he touched. Happy 75th Posthumous Birthday, Daddy. Your labour of love for Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria remains a testament to your greatness. You made my journey smoother and left a mark on this earth that time can not erase. You live in our hearts, forever and always. May Allah grant you eternal paradise.
Afeez Bolaji REPETE
Oyo Central Senatorial Hopeful.
